Mental Aspects Research Articles

The Short Dark Tetrad (SD4)

Abstract: This study aimed to test the construct and criterion validity of the Serbian adaptation of the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4). In addition to testing measurement invariance between the Serbian ( N = 488) and Canadian samples ( N = 739), the construct validity of the SD4 was also assessed through correlations with more extensive measures of the Dark Tetrad, and criterion validity was evaluated through correlations with variables related to mental health. The results indicated good model fit indices for the SD4 in both samples and partial scalar invariance across samples. Validity correlations with extensive measures confirmed the construct validity of all SD4 scales, with caution noted for the psychopathy scale, which shares similar content with sadism. Profile similarity, based on construct and criterion correlations, revealed substantial dissimilarity between narcissism and the other scales but high similarity among the Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism scales. Regardless of the similarity between the scales, they showed distinctive correlations with emotional distress and positive mental health aspects.

The Development of Performing Folk Songs Model to Develop Holistic Health in Elderly

This research aims to study the problems and factors in organizing activities to promote holistic health in the elderly, Elderly Social Welfare Development Center, and to develop activities in the art of performing folk songs to promote holistic health in the elderly, Elderly Social Welfare Development Center. It is a study that aims to extract knowledge about the process of organizing activities for the elderly in order to develop a form of folk song performing arts activities to develop holistic health in the elderly as a research and development model Divided into 3 phases: Phase 1 synthesizes knowledge on organizing activities for the elderly, Phase 2 develops and evaluates traditional performing arts activities to develop holistic health in the elderly, and Phase 3 uses Folk performing arts activity format for holistic health development in the elderly. The research tool used was a structured interview form and satisfaction assessment form for organizing activities. All analysis results are presented as descriptive data and tables with explanations. The findings revealed Problems and factors in organizing activities to promote holistic health in the elderly at the Elderly Social Welfare Development Center. The researcher can summarize into two issues: 1) The current condition of organizing activities to promote the health of the elderly at the 12 Elderly Social Welfare Development Centers has three formats: ordinary elderly, particular types, and centers without elderly residents. In terms of operations for caring for and promoting the elderly, there will be an operation plan for the center that promotes the health of the elderly. There are four areas: physical, mental, and social interaction and intelligence. 2) Factors in organizing activities to promote holistic health in the elderly. The Center for the Development of Social Welfare for the Elderly found that opinions and needs for bringing in local wisdom heritage, in terms of performing arts, all four regions came to organize activities to promote the health of the elderly at all 12 Elderly Social Welfare Development Centers. There were two issues: 1) Perspectives and opinions. It was found that bringing both local performing arts and four regionally organized activities to promote the health of the elderly within the center. It is a good and exciting activity. Most elderly people enjoy fun activities, including singing and dancing. It is also a matter of Folk performing arts that can understand the emotions and feelings of the elderly very well. It also helps promote and stimulate the memory of the elderly. 2) The need to bring local wisdom and heritage. In terms of performing arts, all four regions came to organize activities to promote the health of the elderly at all 12 Elderly Social Welfare Development Centers. It was found that there was a need to organize activities to promote the health of the elderly using all Folk performing arts. The aim is to organize activities that can develop the physical, mental, social, and intellectual aspects. The results of the development of activities in the art of performing folk songs to promote holistic health in the elderly have two crucial points: 1) The uniqueness of the art of folk song performance that has an impact on society is that it reflects the culture of the community, build relationships among people in the community, have fun public relations media and self-development 2) The results of creating and developing an art activity format for performing folk songs to promote holistic health in the elderly. The researcher created and developed a folk song performance art activity model consisting of 6 elements: principles of the form, Objectives of the format, content, activities, promoting factors, and evaluation

Short-Term Impact of Digital Mental Health Interventions on Psychological Well-Being and Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Riyadh

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management is complicated by psychological factors, yet mental health interventions are not routinely integrated into diabetes care. This study investigated the impact of a digital mental health intervention on psychological well-being and glycemic control in T2D patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 120 T2D patients divided into intervention (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. The intervention group received a one-month digital mental health intervention alongside standard care. Psychological well-being (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and DDS) and glycemic control (HbA1c) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in HbA1c levels (−0.5%, p = 0.032), PHQ-9 (−3.1, p = 0.001), GAD-7 (−2.8, p = 0.006), and DDS (−7.7, p = 0.012) scores compared to the control group. Strong correlations were observed between psychological improvements and HbA1c reductions. Higher engagement with the digital platform was associated with greater improvements in both psychological and glycemic outcomes. Conclusions: Integrating digital mental health interventions into T2D care can significantly improve both psychological well-being and glycemic control. These findings support a more holistic approach to diabetes management that addresses both mental and physical health aspects.

Istighātha Dhikr Practices Toward Human Well-Being: An Implication for Islamic Education

Istighātha dhikr is a spiritual practice performed by seeking help, protection, and forgiveness from Allah. It is a process of seeking Allah's assistance and protection against all weaknesses, sins, and mistakes committed. However, this practice has been carried out in various ways in different countries. This research aims to evaluate how the practice of istighātha dhikr in various countries can be implemented to improve well-being. Out of 151 identified articles, 14 relevant articles were found based on inclusion and exclusion criteria such as document type, source, and period. PRISMA was used as a guideline for selecting articles in this research. Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Publish or Perish were used as literature search databases. VOSviewer was used to analyze publication data and collaboration networks. This article provides an overview of the practice of istighātha dhikr in various countries. The results of this study indicate that istighātha dhikr is not only a practice for spiritual development but also has significant impacts in strengthening religious identity, improving the quality of worship, increasing spiritual awareness, enhancing spiritual, physical, and mental aspects, and improving overall well-being.

"Nobody Knew . . . What Was Gonna Happen": Indigenous Loss and Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Indigenous peoples have experienced higher rates of loss and death compared to the general population, partly due to historical loss. This qualitative inquiry focused on understanding Indigenous women's experiences of loss, grief, and death during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving 31 head-of-household Native American women from a southeastern US tribe. Reconstructive analysis of data from a community-based critical ethnography identified the following themes spanning the ecological levels of the FHORT: (a) loss of finances, (b) loss of structure and loss of self, (c) death due to COVID-19, (d) disrupted mourning and burial rituals, and (e) grief and extensive losses. Results indicate that the pandemic not only exacerbated historical loss, but interventions and models for working through grief and loss should not only be culturally tailored and promote healing across all ecological domains and include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects, but should also address historical trauma, collectivist values, and traditional ways.

Exploring Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among patients with HIV-associated TB in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important and frequently used patient-reported outcome in health research. However, little qualitative research exists in this field in South Africa. This study was set in Khayelitsha, one of the largest informal settlements in South Africa, where the burden of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection are amongst the highest in the world and significantly affect HRQOL. To explore the experience of HRQOL among patients living with HIV-associated TB. We conducted sixteen interviews with male (n = 10) and female (n = 6) adult participants (ages 24-56; median age 35) to explore their HRQOL living with HIV-associated TB, related treatment and how this impacted on life domains they considered relevant for HRQOL. We used thematic analysis to analyse data, using both an inductive and deductive analysis using an interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA). Experiences of HRQOL were identified along the predominantly emerging themes of physical, social, and mental aspects of HRQOL. Identified sub-themes included well-being, loss of strength, and self-care for the physical domain; usual activities and stigma for the social domain; concerns and coping for the mental domain. The findings illustrate that HRQOL domains are interconnected through social experience. The social experience of HRQOL was identified as the common denominator connecting all domains, around which HRQOL revolved for these participants. HRQOL is experienced socially. The interpersonal connections patients have with significant others present as key to high HRQOL among patients living with HIV-associated TB. This study adds to the existing literature of HRQOL and examines HRQOL using IPA which may help to inform future interventions to improve HRQOL among HIV/TB patients.

Reliability and objectivity of the new version of the 'susceptibility test for body injuries during a fall' (STBIDF-M) in physiotherapy students

Background and Study Aim. Falls are a global public health and economic challenge. Since falls are often unavoidable, it is crucial to focus on preventing injuries caused by the impact with the ground. The aim of this study was to verify the reliability and objectivity of the STBIDF-M. Material and Methods. The sample included 30 male (n = 9) and female (n = 21) physiotherapy students (age 20.97 ± 1.16 years; weight: 66.5 ± 12.06 kg; height: 171 ± 9.62 cm). The STBIDF-M was administered twice, with the second measurement (retest) conducted seven days after the first (test). A method of direct secondary observation, allowing for multiple replays, was used. The assessment involved reviewing video recordings of both stages (test and retest) by three experts experienced in using the STBIDF-M. Results. Each expert observed a tendency to reduce errors during the 'retest' compared to the 'test' stage. This was measured by the arithmetic mean. Statistically significant differences were found in tasks 3, 4, 5, 6, and in the IndexSBIDF-M based on the experts' agreed assessments. Three students (10%) repeated their results from the 'test' stage, showing full correlation. Twenty students (66.67%) demonstrated a tendency to reduce errors. The IndexSBIDF-M 'test-retest' results showed a very high positive correlation (r = 0.810, p < 0.01). This indicates a statistically significant impact of motor modifications in most students. Specifically, clapping hands during Task 3 and pressing the sponge to the body with the chin during Task 4, simulating a backward fall, helped reduce errors. These reductions were noted during ground impact as the degree of coordination difficulty increased in subsequent tasks. Conclusions. The results of this 'test-retest' procedure demonstrate the flexible, non-standardized possibilities of analyzing and synthesizing data using this basic method. This flexibility is attributed to the innovative motor structure of the STBIDF-M, which goes beyond traditional methodological approaches. Observing the unconscious behaviors and actions of the participants has provided valuable insights into inferential phenomena related to the mental and intellectual aspects of human personality.

Association Between Dysphagia and Depressive Symptoms: Propensity Score Matching Approaches.

The co-occurrence of depression and dysphagia is obvious to clinicians and has been the focus of several research investigations. Dysphagia not only leads to physical complications but also exerts a negative emotional impact, resulting in a decline in quality of life. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between dysphagia and depressive symptoms at the population level while accounting for various demographics and health conditions. This study was a cross-sectional design using the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. The study subjects were American adults who completed the survey questionnaires about depressive symptoms, swallowing problems, and health conditions. Regression models and three different propensity score matching approaches were utilized to estimate associations between dysphagia and depressive symptom. Data analyzed in the study showed that among 25,651 U.S. adults, 1,664 (6.48%) reported dysphagia. Among patients with dysphagia, 976 (58.65%) were women, and the average age was 55.48 years. The differences in demographics and health conditions between individuals with and without dysphagia were balanced by three propensity score matching approaches (p >.05). After adjustments using population-weighted multivariable logistic regression, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with both normalized weights, IPTW with stabilized weights, and Greedy algorithms with 1:1 matching method, the risks of having depressive symptom in those with dysphagia were significantly higher than those without dysphagia (odds ratios ranged from 1.763 to 2.402, p <.0001). The study supports that dysphagia and depressive symptoms frequently co-occur in U.S. adults, highlighting the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health aspects of swallowing impairments.

CARD-SARC: mixed-method study to develop a disease-specific health-related quality of life tool for cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Introduction Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory condition caused by the formation of lumps (granulomas) of abnormal tissue in any organ, and can affect physical, functional, mental, social and economic aspects of life. People living with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are likely to have worse clinical outcomes and greater impairment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than other sarcoidosis manifestations. HRQoL is the main concern for people living with sarcoidosis. However, measuring HRQoL in people with CS is difficult as existing tools focus on other forms of sarcoidosis (for example, lung, eye or skin involvement) or for specific cardiac symptoms (for example, atrial fibrillation, angina or heart failure), but not specifically for CS. Purpose To develop a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (CARD-SARC) to assess the impact of CS on HRQoL. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-method, multicentre observational cohort study using a clinimetric approach was conducted. The McMaster Framework for evaluative instruments involved three steps (item selection, item scaling and item reduction) which were complemented with recommendations from the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN). The item-generation process connected data from quantitative (theory, research findings and systematic review) and qualitative components (qualitative semistructured interviews, clinical observations and experts’ opinion). A simultaneous triangulation (QUAN+qual) method was followed to ensure a comprehensive list of preliminary items. The formatting of items was guided by patient and public involvement (PPI) with a 2-weeks recall period. The item reduction strategy was led by PPI and an international multidisciplinary clinical CS-experts. Results 740 potential items were generated by converging all the different sources and techniques. After removal of duplicates and simultaneous triangulation, a preliminary list with 111 items was reviewed by the CS-expert panel with 26 members (including 11 pulmonologists, 7 cardiologists, 5 CS-patients and 3 specialist-nurses). After a consensus meeting, the CARD-SARC included 61 relevant items in six sections for pilot-testing: "functioning", "social, leisure and occupation", "emotional", psychological", "physical" and "healthcare/self-care". Conclusions This study combined a robust methodology with active PPI engagement to develop the first disease-specific HRQoL tool for CS. Each data source was planned independently, however the input from PPI members was critical during the simultaneous triangulation for item-generation. The contributions of CS-experts (members of the PPI group and clinical multidisciplinary experts) enhanced the content validity of the CARD-SARC. The CARD-SARC has the potential to influence clinical management and treatment options, future research and health-economic stakeholders’ decisions for CS.

Toothbrushing habits are associated with self perceived stress

Abstract Background Personal self-care is one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving oral health. Public health guidelines are recommending tooth brushing at least twice daily, once before bed time and at least on one occasion. On the other hand, our regular routines and caring for our own health is influenced by different factors including stress. We wanted to research how much does daily stress influencing tooth brushing habits. Methods We analyzed data from 2020 CINDI nationwide cross-sectional survey in Slovenia. Tooth brushing once a day or less was assessed as inadequate. Stress was assessed with question &amp;gt;&amp;gt;How often in the last 14 days have you felt tense, stressed or under a lot of pressure? &amp;lt;&amp;lt; Participants who chose often or always as an answer were assessed as persons under stress. Method of binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis of association between tooth brushing frequency and self-perceived stress, modified for some socioeconomic factors. Results Prevalence of inadequate frequency of tooth brushing was present in 31,6 % of sample, 31,5% in participants who were not feeling tense and 31,8% in participants who often felt tense or stressed. At first it seemed stress is not associated with tooth brushing habits. We adjusted this association for gender, education level and age and this association became clearer. Participants who felt stress and/or under pressure had higher odds for poor tooth brushing habits, their odds ratio was 1,283 (p &amp;lt; 0,001; 95% CI 1,124; 1,464) when adjusted for aforementioned factors. Conclusions Oral health is integral part of general health. Association between oral and mental health is often overlooked even though psycho-social aspects are part of modern oral health definition. As personal self-care is cornerstone of maintaining and improving oral health, implementation of mental health aspects should be incorporated in public health advises and programmes for promoting oral health. Key messages • Self-perceived stress is associated with toothbrushing habits. • People who are under stress less regularly brush their teeth.

Pain Candidate Genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT Affect Anxiety and Mood in Japanese Ballet Dancers: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

The balance of mental, physical, and technical aspects is essential in improving ballet performance. Ballet dancers’ emotional and behavioral characteristics vary, even under identical stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between the pain candidate genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT and anxiety in Japanese ballet dancers. Participants were 18 youth elite ballet students with professional aspirations (Y-Elite) and 16 dancers in a professional ballet company (Pro). We administered psychological questionnaires, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), to participants under the following four different stress conditions: standard practice day, cast decision day, rehearsal day, and one week before competition day. In addition, the genotypes of 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met were examined. The distribution of 5-HTTLPR was not different between Y-Elite and Pro dancers, although one of the COMT genotypes was different. Y-Elite dancers had higher trait anxiety scores than Pro dancers for these genotypes before competition (ps &lt; 0.03), although no significant association was observed between both genotypes and scores on the STAI across conditions. Their moods were significantly different through the four conditions (p &lt; 0.004). Pro dancers’ moods were also more stable than those of the Y-Elite dancers in the presence of pain. The results indicate that 5-HTTLPR and COMT play a crucial role in dancers’ anxiety and mood during pain (ps &lt; 0.05). Pro dancers are probably predicted by their lower neuroticism and mood scores and their better adaptation to stress than Y-Elite dancers. The 5-HTTLPR and COMT genes may be influencing the sensitivity to the environment. Youth elite ballet dancers need to understand the relationship between pain and physical activity from an early stage.

Elevated Circulating Sclerostin Levels in Frail Older Adults: Implications beyond Bone Health.

Sclerostin, initially recognized for its pivotal role in bone metabolism, has gained attention for its multifaceted impact on overall human health. However, its influence on frailty-a condition that best reflects biological age-has not been thoroughly investigated. We collected blood samples from 244 older adults who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessments. Sclerostin levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Frailty was assessed using two validated approaches: the phenotypic model by Fried and the deficit accumulation frailty index (FI) by Rockwood. After controlling for sex, age, and body mass index, we found that serum sclerostin levels were significantly elevated in frail individuals compared to their robust counterparts (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum sclerostin concentrations and the FI (P<0.001). Each standard deviation increase in serum sclerostin was associated with an odds ratio of 1.87 for frailty (P=0.003). Moreover, participants in the highest quartile of sclerostin levels had a significantly higher FI and a 9.91-fold increased odds of frailty compared to those in the lowest quartile (P=0.003 and P=0.039, respectively). These findings, which for the first time explore the association between circulating sclerostin levels and frailty, have significant clinical implications, positioning sclerostin as one of potential blood-based biomarkers for frailty that captures the comprehensive physical, mental, and social aspects of the elderly, extending beyond its traditional role in bone metabolism.

Relationships between mental health literacy and stress, depression, and anxiety among patients with chronic heart failure in a cardiac outpatient department

This cross-sectional analytical study investigated the relationships between mental health literacy and stress, depression, and anxiety in chronic heart failure patients within a cardiac outpatient department. A simple random sample of 116 patients was included. Data were collected using questionnaires covering participant demographics, clinical information, and mental health aspect. The content validity (IOC) ranged from 0.67 to 1, and reliability, assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, was 0.78 to 0.90. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation statistics. Findings reveal an average participant age of 60.86±12.98 years, with a male majority (66.38%). Mean scores were: mental health literacy component 184.28±23.38, stress 3.15±2.32; depression 7.83±4.84, and anxiety 52.27±11.58. Significant negative correlation existed between mental health literacy and stress (r = -0.306, p&lt;0.001), depression (r = -0.590, p&lt;0.001), and anxiety (r = -0.574, p&lt;0.001). The study indicated that mental health literacy was at a good level among chronic heart failure patients, demonstrating a negative association with stress, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, cardiac outpatient departments could integrate care management strategies to promote mental health literacy and mitigate stress, depression, and anxiety in these patients.

Reading Retardation: The Reading Difficulties and it’s Solutions According to Rushdi Ahmed Tuaima

This study aims to understand the concept of reading difficulties especially reading retardation, and the solution to fix that problem, according to Rushdi Ahmed Tuaima. The researcher also used a book by Abdul Hamid Sulaiman to compare the data. This type of research is library research. The method used in this research is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The data collection technique used is documentation and observation to know the application for treating reading difficulty in the school. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique used in this research is content analysis. This research reveals that Retardation reading is a student's slowdown individual process in reading. This is measured not by comparing them with others but by their mental abilities. Rushdi Ahmed Tuaima suggested that the teacher should not force the students to achieve standards that other students have achieved. Teachers must motivate students to restore their self-confidence. Apart from this, exercise is also essential to do. The treatment of reading difficulties was successfully applied in the 9th grade of Ali Maksum Islamic Junior High School, which improved the student's academic and mental aspects. The researcher hopes this research can be a reference for all teachers to implement for learning reading skills.

Traditional Worldviews, Strategic Culture and Revolutionary Mentality: The Case of People’s Republic of China

This article explores China’s ambitions to become a global hegemon in the 21st century. The research traces the origins of these ambitions in China’s strategic culture and system of ideas and representations. Forming a geopolitical study in this way, this article zooms in the concepts of ‘middle’, ‘Middle Kingdom’ and Tianxia. ‘Middle’ symbolises China’s centrality and moral authority; ‘Middle Kingdom’ embodies the idea of a state where political power is concentrated; and Tianxia represents China’s historical visions of the global order. The research results show that China’s traditional worldviews suggest ambitions for a leading status in the international chessboard, which is confirmed by China’s aspects of revolutionary mentality and development of the military power. While the extent to which China will ascend to a leading role remains uncertain, understanding China’s identity—via its strategic culture—is crucial for grasping both China’s ambitious policy and its impact on the world.

Healthy in ancient and modern times

Background: Health practices have evolved from ancient holistic approaches to modern scientifically driven methods. This comparative study aims to explore the continuity and transformation in healthcare practices from ancient times to the present, highlighting the enduring principles of wellness and the advancements in medical science. Methods and Material: The research employs a comparative analysis of ancient health practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, against modern health practices influenced by scientific and technological advancements. Sources include archaeological findings, historical texts, and contemporary scientific literature. Results: Ancient health practices emphasized a holistic approach, integrating diet, lifestyle, and spiritual practices to maintain balance and harmony. Modern health practices prioritize evidence-based treatments, technological interventions, and preventive care, leading to significant improvements in health outcomes. Both approaches highlight the importance of preventive measures, personalized care, and a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being. Conclusion: This study reveals that despite the methodological differences, the fundamental objective of fostering health and well-being remains constant across time. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific advancements offers a more holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associations with clinical and social characteristics in a general practice population

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 and the effects of clinical and psychosocial factors, accounting for post-COVID conditions (PCC), on the mental and physical aspect of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.MethodsData from the Nivel Corona Cohort were used, which includes individuals with an established SARS-CoV-2 infection that received four questionnaires over a year’s time with questions regarding HRQoL (SF-12), symptoms and social characteristics. PCC was determined based on questionnaire data. Data on medical history and healthcare utilization were obtained from electronic health records from general practice. A repeated measures linear mixed model was used to explore associations between clinical and social characteristics, and the course of mental and physical HRQoL after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking PCC into account.ResultsOne hundred fifty-eight individuals of whom it was possible to determine whether they had PCC or not were included in this study. Seventy-six (48.1%) developed PCC, which was associated with a persistent reduction in both physical and mental HRQoL. Hospitalization during the acute phase of the infection had a negative impact on the physical HRQoL, which decreased over time. Females, people older than 53, and those with increased resilience and mental HRQoL before infection were more likely to report a more positive mental HRQoL over time.ConclusionThe negative association PCC has with both mental and physical HRQoL for at least six months, calls for more research to support patients with PCC.

Helping Others Facilitates Well-Being for Indigenous Peoples Living With HIV/AIDS in Canada.

Research has found that helping others facilitates well-being for Indigenous peoples living with HIV and AIDS, but limited research exists that investigates the mechanism(s) underlying this relationship. Indigenous perspectives posit that helping others facilitates well-being through the development of an individual's spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental aspects (four aspects). Similarly, self-determination theory posits that helping others facilitates well-being by satisfying basic psychological needs. In the present study, we examined if helping others facilitates well-being through the fulfillment of the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental aspects among Indigenous peoples living with HIV and AIDS. We used a convergent parallel mixed methods design, coupled with a community-engaged approach grounded in the United Nations Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS principles and Indigenous and decolonizing research methodologies. Survey (n = 117) and interview data (n = 9) collected by an Indigenous-led HIV/AIDS organization in Canada were employed to examine the relationship between helping, the four aspects, and well-being. Participants were primarily First Nations leaders and mentors who live with HIV/AIDS, with some Métis and Inuit. A parallel multiple mediation model and reflexive thematic analysis were used to analyze the relationship between helping, the four aspects, and well-being. Mixed-methods findings support the idea that helping others promotes well-being by fulfilling the emotional and mental aspects. Qualitative findings demonstrated this relationship for all four aspects. This research may facilitate the development of programs to support Indigenous peoples living with HIV/AIDS well-being and contribute to the literature on integrating Indigenous perspectives and methodologies within psychological research.

Impact of school closure during COVID-19 pandemic on school-going children in a rural population of Haryana: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background: The Government of India undertook several measures for COVID-19 pandemic, of which school closure was one. This led to sudden shift of teaching methods from classroom-based to online mode. This study aimed to understand the effects of school closure on children during lockdown period. Methods: This was a community-based qualitative study conducted in Faridabad District, Haryana, India, from January 2022 to February 2022. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) with school students of 8th standard and above and two FGDs with parents of school students below 8th standard were conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted with two school headmasters, two teachers, a Senior Medical Officer (SMO), District Education Officer (DEO), and District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO). Responses were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed to identify themes, and thematic analysis was done. Four major themes were framed—academic, physical, behavioral, and psychosocial. Results: Decreased academic performance, teacher-student interaction, and distraction from the study were found in academic domain. There was reluctance to go back to school reopening. Low physical exercise, irregular sleep cycles meal skipping, and increased screen time were noticed. Limited mid-day meal nutrition was available. Increased fear, anxiety, and loneliness were faced along with an increase in household quarrels and violence. An increase in the number of child marriages was also reported. Few students had positive impacts like improvement in hygiene practices, learning new hobbies, and skills. Conclusion: School closure had impact on the physical, mental, socio-behavioral, and academic aspects of school-going children. In case of similar events in the future, these impacts must be kept in mind by policymakers to achieve a balance between effective pandemic control and fruitful childhoods.

Who am I in the Multiverse? Everettian quantum mechanics and the mental

Abstract Physics and mentality are most often understood to be paradigmatically separate fields of inquiry. The foundational debate has a long history of attempts, however, to introduce aspects of mentality into physical analysis. In the context of Everettian quantum mechanics considerations of this kind play out in a different way than in collapse theories. This paper reviews some of those thoughts.